Sprinter+WhiteHawk?

[GM62]

The acronyms and numbers are confusing. Could someone reassure my thinking that the Sprinter can pull the 2017 WhiteHawk? Thank you.

3500 SPRINTER CARGO VAN
Length 144”
6 Cylinders
Payload 10140 lbs
Max GVWR 10,140
Curb Weight 5,401
Max Payload 4,739
Max GCWR 15,250
Max Towing 7,500

27DSRL | 2017 WHITE HAWK
Unloaded Vehicle Weight 6040
Dry Hitch Weight 685
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 7500
Cargo Carrying Capacity 1460
Exterior Length 31' 5"
Exterior Width 96"
Exterior Height with A/C 131 1/4"
Wheel Base 247"

[Midnightmoon]

Welcome fellow Sprinter owner. By the looks of your specs, your 3500 144" should be capable of handling the White Hawk you have listed. There is lots of discussion over on Sprinter-Source on towing with the Sprinter. If you are not a member, I highly recommend joining and reading on subject. There is a member over there "Sailquik" that does a lot of towing with his 3500. He may be a great resource for you.

The only thing I will mention is that there is no definitive info from MB on if/how a weight distributing hitch effects the tongue weight/trailer capacity on a Sprinter. For example, most manufacturers will state that the towing capacity of a receiver will be 5000/500 load carrying and 10000/1000 with a WD hitch. MB simply states 5000/500 for the 2500 and 7500/750 with the 3500. There is no mention of the use of a WD hitch in the Sprinter owners manual and there is quite a discussion on this topic over on Sprinter-Source. When loaded, your White Hawk will likely exceed the 750# load carrying capacity of your Sprinter's hitch. I'm not sure by how much. But you will have to determine how you will address that issue.

I personally am pulling a 22BHM Jay Feather with my 2500. Trailer has a GVWR of 5500# and is sitting at 4800# ready to travel the way we have it loaded. It pulls fine. Don't expect to win any drag races with it towing, but it does just fine for what it is. I can't comment on how it will be with the extra 2000#+ of trailer you will have on yours, but I can't imagine that being too much of an issue.

On a side note, I'm using an Anderson WD hitch with mine. I really like it with the small trailer I have.

Here's mine. Please ignore the nose down trailer. I was still adjusting hitch height.

[Pfflyer]

Welcome to the forum. You should have no problem if don't over Max GCWR 15,250 (weight of van plus trailer). What does your van weigh with passengers and as fitted out by you? That will let you know how much more you can carry and or tow. Be careful not to exceed the 10,140lb of the van, I think your max tongue weight of 750lb and the max tow vehicle weight. See also https://sprinter-source.com/forum/. Plenty of threads of guys towing at the max weight.

[GM62]

Wonderful! I will be aware of weights and i'll check out the Sprinter-Source. Thank you.

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by GM62

Wonderful! I will be aware of weights and i'll check out the Sprinter-Source. Thank you.

Do you have the factory towing package on your Sprinter?

[GM62]

I ordered the tow package but have bookmarked WD hitch info. Recommendations? The van comes in next month

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by GM62

I ordered the tow package but have bookmarked WD hitch info. Recommendations? The van comes in next month

Excellent. The factory tow package not only gives you the hitch, but it also gives you the wiring and the connector for the brake controller. It is located under the drivers seat instead of under the dash. You will need to make a short (5' to 6') pigtail and run it under the flooring back under the seat to make the connection. Remind me and I'll get you the part #'s for the factory mating connector and pins to make a neat connection.

Here is what the connector looks like in mine. Mine is routed behind the open slot in the fuse panel just in case I would need to access it at some point easily. The fuse panel is located on the driver's side seat base.



I am using a Protegy P3 in mine.




As far as WD hitch is concerned, I am currently using an Anderson. Here's a picture of mine when I was doing the install and setup.




It uses a different design than the traditional WD hitches. But I like it's ease of use and light weight for use with the Sprinter.

[GM62]

I woke with "what have i missed!?!" I feel better and glad to have found this forum. Your posts have gone into my "hitch" folder. Thank you!